coolant loss

[kwagner]

Hey all here is what I have going on , I am losing coolant but have no leaks. I noticed coolant on the left valve cover. I checked oil filler cap and have creamy gunk on it and in filler tube. It almost seems as if the coolant came up out of the filler tube. I also have check engine light on and it gave a code of p0304..cylinder 4 misfire. Any ideas as to what my problem might be?? Thanks

 

[Captain Morgan]

It sounds like a head gasket leak to me. There are other possibilities but this is a very common and probable thing related to your symptoms. Is the left cover also the passengers side? Does the dipstick smell like antifreeze?

What year is your vehicle?

When did you notice this?

When was the last time you have your radiator flushed or fluid added\changed?

I take it you won't be doing the labor if this is a head gasket?



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[kwagner]

It's an 03 noticed 2 days ago... nothing on dip stick just filler tube and cap. Yes left is passenger side it has the 5.4 motor..if it is head gasket no I won't be doing it myself

 

[FordandPolaris]

Cylinder 4 is the back cylinder on the passenger side. Make extra sure the coolant tube is not leaking back there. It is kind of hard to see. It is not uncommon to get white gunk on the bottom of the oil cap, change your oil and if that has the milky gunk in it, then you will know it is a head gasket. I see you are from the same state as me, and mine gets white gunk on the bottom of the oil cap whenever it is cold. I have read that it is due to small amounts of moisture rising to the top of the motor (oil cap) and condensing, causing the milky oil substance. Not really sure though.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Good Advice F&P! And good explanation. I couldn't account for why there would be any condensation in the crankcase, but it sounds plausible that the natural aspiration of the PCV would allow some moisture to suck in as the engine cools.

I don't live where it's that cold and the only thing I could think of was to ask if the crankcase oil smelled like antifreeze, as opposed to draining the oil. If he has enough antifreeze in the oil to matter then I thought it should also be milky on the dipstick. If he changes the oil and it is a crack or gasket leak, then the oil will need to be changed again when the repairs are done. I suppose partially unscrewing the oil filter an checking that drippage could work if it is reasonably accessible on his rig.

He definitely needs to ascertain whether this leak is internal or external.


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[kwagner]

Thanks for the info guys

 

[Captain Morgan]

This guide "Troubleshooting a Blown Head Gasket (Ford 4.6L, 5.4L)" was right there on a link in my sig, I didn't even think to check there.


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[Big White]

Replace the coolant cap. Mine was shot and made a mysterious leak for quite a while. I found out it was shot by using pep boys loaner tool program, and tested it.